Steve Jobs – The Most Influencial Person I Never Met

I never met Steve Jobs, yet I feel a tremendous sense of loss. Yes, I have been labeled an Apple Fan boy. I started out with the original Mac; was forced to go down the PC path, but I still longed for the Mac. I got back on track with the first MacBook Pro and I have never looked back.

But this sense of loss goes way beyond the fantastic gadgets Steve Jobs introduced. To me, he was my virtual mentor. I watched every video and product announcement he did, because with every one I learned something new.

I am sure being a market researcher helped. I would listen to what Steve said–the products he announced, the features and benefits he would highlight, and the ones he left out and why. His strategic thinking was always simple, focused and brilliant.

One of the last public appearances Steve Jobs made was his presentation to the Cupertino City Council (Presentation to Cupertino City Council). As always, I learned a lot.

Jobs started his pitch to the Council by telling a nostalgic story about his boyhood experiences living near and working for Hewlett Packard. He could have easily just said he wanted to establish Apple’s new headquarters at the former HP property. Instead he strategically wove a palpable relationship with Cupertino and the land Apple acquired from HP for its new headquarters. He had the ability to completely integrate many facets into one. He certainly did that with his products.

He truly mentored me to be a better thinker and strategic planner. I know I am not alone in feeling this way. In fact, my mother-in-law who is ninety-one and has never used any Apple product said she would have gladly given him some of her years, because he did so much for so many people. Steve Jobs, my virtual mentor, you will be missed. And thank you for your mentoring.